Can anyone tell me if a ‘78-‘79 top and bottom grill will bolt straight into
a ’80 front nose? A friend overseas asked me to order a upper and lower
grill for a ’80 berlinetta, but all I can find is the upper, so I’m wondering
if a 78-79 would fit the 80 model, that way the top and bottom would match.
I’m worried about how these are mounted to the nose, can anyone check
for me if you have any of the years if these grills have the same bolt pattern
and can be interchanged?

If I'm not mistaken the 78-79 mounting holes are in different locations than 80models for both upper and lower grills.

That is correct. I have owned both 79's and 80-81's and the mounting holes are in different locations from 78-79 to 80-81. The upper center and lower center mount holes are on the opposite sides. The shape is the same, but you would have to fab some mounting brackets or change the inner bumper unit for one with the correct holes.

Here is a 78-79: (notice the top + bottom center, and outer mount locations)


http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm298/6781camaro/1969%20Camaro%20%20SS350/1981%20Z28%20Restoration%20Complete/79camarogrille.jpg

Here is an 80-81: (notice the top + bottom center, and outer mount locations)

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm298/6781camaro/1969%20Camaro%20%20SS350/1981%20Z28%20Restoration%20Complete/1980-81camarogrille.jpg

Here is my '80 Z/28 grill area up close in primer. You can see the mounts there...

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm298/6781camaro/1969%20Camaro%20%20SS350/1981%20Z28%20Restoration%20Complete/1980Z28finishednose.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm298/6781camaro/1969%20Camaro%20%20SS350/1981%20Z28%20Restoration%20Complete/May29-2006011.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm298/6781camaro/1969%20Camaro%20%20SS350/1981%20Z28%20Restoration%20Complete/May29-2006014.jpg

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm298/6781camaro/1969%20Camaro%20%20SS350/1981%20Z28%20Restoration%20Complete/May29-2006001.jpg




Ooh! What a great chance to show off my '81 Z/28.... man I miss that car...!

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm298/6781camaro/1969%20Camaro%20%20SS350/1981%20Z28%20Restoration%20Complete/cover.jpg

Guys I really appreciate the help.
Ok, so the upper is different. (but I can buy a ’80 grill for it)
So the lower is different also (just making sure) correct???
If so is it just one hole that is off or more?
Looks like there is 3 holes on the lower, are the other 2 in the
same location?

From what I remember, on the lower grille, it is all 3 holes that are different. You can drill new ones and use the slip-in nuts just as factory though.

Todd

It looks to me that all 3 holes are different on the bottom. The 2 outer holes are moved in more on an 80 model and center hole is moved up.

Her's a rare nos lower grill I have (not for sale sorry)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0639.jpg

Hers is anther 80 nos grill I have. (It too is not for sale)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0640.jpg

So could someone verify this…
Can you just drill new holes in a 78-79 grill to make it fit an 80 camaro?
Is there room/place to drill the holes where they need to be to fit an 80?
I’d like to make sure that this will work before I order one and send it overseas.

Thanks again guys

So could someone verify this…
Can you just drill new holes in a 78-79 grill to make it fit an 80 camaro?
Is there room/place to drill the holes where they need to be to fit an 80?
I’d like to make sure that this will work before I order one and send it overseas.

Thanks again guys



There has to be a way to make it work. Its hard to believe that nobody makes a lower grill for 80 models. I looked also and noone has one for any 80 models Z28 or other.